Overview of Osmand: Open-Source Navi App with OpenStreetMap

Osmand is a fully open-source navigation application based on the non-commercial maps of the OpenStreetMap project. The app comes out completely without ads and gives Android users the free choice of whether they want to pay or not. Osmand is positioning itself as a particularly data-saving alternative to proprietary navigation apps. However, the critical assessment remains theIntegration of an analysis service from Facebook in the Play Store version. This feature allows unwanted data transfer to third parties. The app is great for anyone who value transparency and offline capability.

How the app works and basic principles

Osmand relies exclusively on maps from OpenStreetMap, a global joint project. Users must individually download the desired map regions to the device before the navigation starts. Offline use is only available after this step. Additional information can be displayed via numerous extensions, such as special maps for ski resorts, lakesOr detailed networks of local public transport in cities. The app remains consistently free of advertising and finances itself through optional purchases. As a source open software, the full source code is publicly available and can be reviewed and improved by the community.

Availability and Platform Support

Osmand is available for both iOS and Android. The Android version can be found in the official Google Play Store and in the alternative, privacy-friendly App Store F-Droid. The app has more than five million downloads in the Play Store and enjoys great popularity. Osmand is developed and distributed by the Dutch company Osmand B.V., which is based on thefurther development of the open source app. The iOS version is also available in Apple’s App Store, but with limited features compared to the Android Premium version.

Map base: OpenStreetMap and extensions

The central data source remains OpenStreetMap, whose maps are maintained by volunteers worldwide. Extensions can be used to integrate additional sources, including Microsoft Bing Maps satellite images, formerly known as Microsoft Earth. This flexibility significantly expands the possible uses. The card quality depends on the topicality of the OpenStreetMap data, whichurban areas are mostly excellent, but in rural areas are partially incomplete.

Business model Android: Free choice between free and premium

The Google Play Store has a free basic version that allows you to download up to seven individual cards, including full offline use. Additional maps and advanced features can be unlocked via in-app purchases. The F-Droid version, on the other hand, corresponds to the full-fledged payment version from the Play Store, including all premium functions. Even the functionOsmand Live, which allows hourly map updates, is available there free of charge. In the Play Store, you require a monthly subscription. Android users can thus actually decide for themselves whether they pay or use the F-Droid version. The provider still asks for voluntary donations for project support on F-Droid. part of the income and donationsOsmand B.V. directly to the OpenStreetMap project.

iOS model: One-time payment for worldwide access

For iOS users, there is a free basic version with optional in-app purchases. Access to all cards worldwide costs 6.99 euros once. Individual continents are available for 3.49 euros each. The project for iOS does not offer a full premium version comparable to Osmand+ on Android. The iOS app remains functionally somewhat more limited, but covers all essentialnavigation needs.

Data transfer in the test: Differences between Play Store and F-Droid

In the practical test, the basic version from the Play-Store showed extensive data transmissions. She contacted the main service Osmand, the OpenStreetMap map service and Facebook and Google. Various user data were transmitted. The F-Droid version, on the other hand, was strictly limited to the necessary connections to the main service and the map service, without third-party contacts.This difference underlines the privacy benefits of alternative app stores.

Criticism of Facebook integration in the Play Store version

The automatic connection to Facebook immediately after the app was launched in the Play Store version was surprising. Basic data such as time, language, app name and device model as well as the advertising ID of the device were transmitted. An integrated analysis service by Facebook is responsible, which enables app developers to measure advertising efficiency. Facebook can use this advertising ID with further user dataLink, for example to an existing Facebook account, and generate personalized advertising from it. positive: The F-Droid version does not establish any connection to Facebook. When asked, Osmand explained that the Facebook tool in the Android premium version from the Play Store is not active.

Google Firebase Analytics: Basic version analysis

The Play Store base version also uses Google’s Firebase Analytics. This block transfers the advertising ID and basic data such as country, language, app name and device model to Google servers. This service is also completely missing in the F-Droid version. Such analysis tools are used for app optimization, but at the same time enable comprehensive user observation by the group.

Necessary server contacts: main service and map server

The contact to the OSMAND database for location data and search queries is unavoidable, otherwise navigation would not be possible. However, the transmission of the Android ID, a device-specific identifier, was surprising. According to Osmand, it uses them to track installations and uninstallations. In addition, there were connections to OpenStreetMap and Amazon Cloud serviceCloudFront.net used by OpenStreetMap for fast image delivery. No personal user data is landed on Amazon here.

Device Administrator Authorization: Optional Energy Saving Function

Osmand offers the ability to assign the status “Device Administrator” to the app. This is not forced during installation, but only a menu item is created. The app works perfectly without this permission. It is required for a special energy saving function in Cycling and Hiking mode: The screen turns off and automatically activatesturn directions. For more information on managing this permission, see separate articles on Android system settings.

Privacy Policy: Clear, but incomplete

The data protection declaration is only available in English and is pleasantly compact in structure. However, it remains incomplete: neither the Facebook integration nor Firebase Analytics are mentioned. Although Osmand claims not to collect any personal data, the Android ID is transmitted – a unique, unchangeable device identifier that, according to the common belief, is personal data.represents. Creative: Instead of multilingual versions, Osmand has built the Google Translate function directly into the explanation. In particular, the transfer of data to Facebook in the basic app from the Play Store remains a significant shortcoming and reduces the data protection profile.